Caution: Over-fertilizing can cause brown leaf tips. Stick to once a month and dilute the fertilizer to half-strength.
5. Prune Regularly for a Fuller Look
Pruning isn’t just about removing dead leaves—it actually stimulates new, fuller growth.
- Cut off long, leggy leaves to encourage compact growth.
- Remove old baby plantlets that are draining energy.
Bonus: You can plant those babies elsewhere and grow new plants!
6. Repot When Rootbound
If your plant seems to stop growing or dries out too quickly, it might be rootbound. This means the roots have taken over the pot and need more space.
- Repot every 1–2 years
- Choose a pot 1–2 inches wider than the current one
7. Keep Humidity Around 40–60%
Ribbon plants love a little humidity. If your home is very dry, especially in winter, it may suffer.
Solutions:
- Mist the plant occasionally
- Use a humidity tray or humidifier
- Place it in bathrooms or kitchens with natural light
8. Propagate to Multiply and Strengthen
One of the most amazing things about the Malamadre plant is its ability to self-propagate. The baby plantlets hanging from the mother plant can be trimmed and planted to create new, healthy plants.
- Let the baby grow roots before cutting
- Plant in moist soil and keep in indirect light
Tip: The more you trim and propagate, the more energy the mother plant puts into growing fuller and stronger.
Bonus Care Tips
- Brown leaf tips? This might be due to fluoride in tap water. Try using filtered or rainwater.
- Dusty leaves? Wipe them gently with a damp cloth to help with photosynthesis.
- Leaves curling inward? Usually a sign of underwatering or low humidity.
Conclusion
Your Malamadre plant doesn’t have to be just a background decoration—it can be a lush, vibrant centerpiece in your home. With the right care—light, watering, feeding, and trimming—you’ll have a plant that not only survives but thrives, giving off baby plantlets and purifying your air in the process. These 8 tricks will ensure your Ribbon plant is as bushy and hearty as nature intended.
FAQs
1. How often should I water my Ribbon plant?
Water once a week in summer and every 10–14 days in winter. Always check that the top inch of soil is dry before watering.
2. Can I grow the Malamadre plant in low light?
It can survive in low light, but it won’t grow bushy or produce plantlets. Bright, indirect light is ideal.
3. Why are the tips of my Ribbon plant turning brown?
This is often caused by over-fertilizing, fluoride in water, or low humidity. Use filtered water and avoid excessive feeding.
4. Is the Ribbon plant safe for pets?
Chlorophytum comosum is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, but excessive chewing can still upset their stomach.
5. How do I make my Ribbon plant grow more baby plantlets?
Ensure it gets plenty of bright, indirect light and feed it regularly during the growing season. A healthy, well-lit plant will produce more offshoots.
